Superintendent: finalists named for key roles; MSBA advances high‑school study phase

Superintendent Jason DeFalco told the School Committee on Aug. 11 that the district has identified finalists for three priority vacancies and will present candidates to the committee in coming meetings.

DeFalco said a candidate identified for the interim business manager role had been screened and interviewed by a smaller committee and "was a strong fit" after reference checks. He described the anticipated next steps: a scheduled committee meeting to walk through budget and operational documents, a planned introduction to the committee on Aug. 25 and a contract the committee would review. "If all goes as planned, we'll have her in front of the school committee to introduce her to all of you on August 25, to review and hopefully approve her contract," he said.

DeFalco also reported progress on the lead coach search and that the middle‑school principal search produced finalists; he said staff will continue interviews and, if necessary, use an interim appointment. On start‑of‑year logistics he reiterated schedules and orientation dates that will be shared with families.

On the district capital agenda, DeFalco said the Massachusetts School Building Authority has advanced the district to the senior‑study phase and that MSBA staff will conduct an on‑site tour of the high school. "We have advanced in the process. We have not been fully accepted yet into the pipeline. However, the Mass. School Building Authority is going to be moving us on to the senior study phase," he said; MSBA staff are scheduled to join district staff on Sept. 14 for the site visit.

DeFalco noted the senior study step does not guarantee project approval but is an important procedural milestone in the MSBA process and will involve facilities and teaching‑and‑learning discussions during the tour.